Stimulating creativity in groups through mental simulation

Abstract

A growing literature has recognized the importance of mental simulation (e.g., imagining alternatives to reality) in sparking creativity. In this chapter, we examine how counterfactual thinking, or imagining alternatives to past outcomes, affects group creativity. We explore these effects by articulating a model that considers the influence of counterfactual thinking on both the cognitive and social processes known to impact group creative performance. With this framework, we aim to stimulate research on group creativity from a counterfactual perspective.

Citation

Wong, E.M., Kray, L.J., Galinsky, A.D. and Markman, K.D. (2009), "Stimulating creativity in groups through mental simulation", Mannix, E.A., Goncalo, J.A. and Neale, M.A. (Ed.) Creativity in Groups (Research on Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 12), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1534-0856(2009)0000012008